WE ARE…

... THE PERKES. We still consider ourselves newlyweds [we've been married for almost 5 years]. Our firstborn, Jace, is now 2 years old, and became a big brother when Sofia Rain joined our family in November 2012. We are from the East Coast [Luisa is from MA and Nate is from NH]. We are Bronco's Fans [We've lived in the Boise area for almost 5 years]. We are travelers. We are athletes and we are dancers. We are enthusiastic about food. We are spontaneous. We are addicted to the sun. We are in love.

Most importantly... we are HAPPY. We are the Perkes.

Yearly Archives: 2010

During the year of ’09, it seemed I had to pace my posting… I had SO many things I wanted to talk about and only ONE post a day to do it. THIS year, however, I can’t seem to find enough time to post about the COUPLE of things I really want to talk about….

Never in my life have I thought so much about what in my life I can deem as ‘worthy, or of good report.’ I think the fact that I soon become a mother has made something in me become ultra sensitive to the influences of the world in my home and in my life. I’ve…

About six months ago I had entitled one of my posts “The Perks of Being Married to a Photographer“, and I feel like today’s post should just be a repeat; or maybe I should just call it “The Perks of Being Married to a Perkes”, and not just any ‘Perkes’…. NATE Perkes. He has, yet…

Anonymous -Loooooove it!!!!! It was like a tv video journey and soooo special to watch!!! Like you can see your relationship and the partnership, togetherness you both share….and that song fits! Luisa!!! I cried when I read what you wrote xoxoxoxo I miss you both!!!! Love, Nicole! we just loved the video!!!

Pappa Perkes -I agree with Kate! The first part of the video, before you get to Animoto, is the best stuff you have done. YOU ARE A VIDEOGRAPHER!!! And the first time I heard the song choice I thought it was odd, but because I have now watched this fun video several times, I am loving the song . . . and humming it in my mind! Very cool!

And sorry to all the Perkes ladies, the weird face pulling trait may have been a genetic defect passed on from Pops!

Kate Perkes -Guys! LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS VIDEO!! Nate… I am yet to see you take a serious picture.. why does this trait run in the perkes boy family. I swear you all do it!! HAHA… This is my favorite video by far! Love the live and still images combined.. SO MUCH FUN!!.. Makes me want to do more video.

Nate funny funny song choice!! haha… but it actually works!

Love You Two!

Our Family -Amazing! It's no aruba but wish we could have you guys do our family pics here in dallas

For reasons STILL unbeknownst to me, Nate and I have been toying with the idea of me becoming his ‘back-up photographer’ or ‘second shooter’ [sounds like a sniper term in a Bourne movie]. It has been a very intimidating experience, considering the fact that, oh I don’t know… I’M NOT A PHOTOGRAPHER!! But Nate and…

Ken and Jen Perkes -You have really blown us away with your talent, Luisa. Wonderful eye! Something that is hard to teach. Almost every shoot you two have done together, my favorite photograph turns out to be one you shot. I hope you keep doing it.

You inspired me so much that I actually offered to second shoot for Mom. She–knowing my techno skills–wisely responded: "THANKS! But don't call us; we'll call you!"

Lisa, Danny, and Blake -Luisa you're great! These definitely look like a professional. Good job girl. I definitely think you should keep doing it, especially because you'll be taking so many of your new little guy. Good job!

The older I get, the more I realize that women need each other. The innate instinct that resides in every woman to nurture and care and comfort and console extends itself to each other. I LOVE THAT! I love loving and I love being loved. I have a dear friend who takes wonderful care of…

So, I’m lucky enough to already have an older sister and a younger sister. I only have little brothers, but we got that taken care of when Nate and I got married. Now I have like… 3 older brothers. One of my “little” brothers, Andrew, recently got married, and I was just pondering the other…

Danella and Andrew Morales -You are so sweet!!! I haven't checked your blogged for about 2 weeks and I didn't know about this!!! You really made my eyes teary :') I am so happy to be a Morales and so happy to have older sisters now!!! I am the oldest of my fam, so i didnt know how it feels like to have an older sister =D now i do!Thanks Luisa! I love you!!!

When I was 15 years old, I got a job working at Papa Gino’s with my best friend, Briana. The job, overall, wasn’t the worst I’ve ever had, but only a best friend can turn the drudgery of a JOB into the MOST fun you’ve ever had. Nate just can’t seem to get enough of…

For some reason, Nate and I thought that this whole ‘name game’ would be easier once we knew whether our baby was a boy or a girl. But it hasn’t been easier. Our lists got longer once we knew about our little BOY! So, we need your help. We have narrowed down the lists, and…

Summer Reading [I LOVE reading and I came across some great books this summer. Click on 'Luisa's Bookshelf' on the sidebar to see my ratings and reviews]. Summer Releases [Nate and I LOVED this movie. It might not have been perfect, but it left us thinking, wondering, discussing and wanting to see it again. For…

Ken and Jen Perkes -I have this theory that Nate's Power Balance Bands are causing grey hair! Ha! I also believe we can walk through walls . . . but that's another story. But seriously, Luisa, you are one of my favorite blog writers. Can't wait for your debut today on Perkes Photography!

It may not be an amusement park. There aren’t any rollercoasters and Mickey Mouse does not frequent. Even though my parents were kind enough and sacrificed enough to assure their children DID have the opportunity to see Disney World, the place where MY childhood dreams came true was NOT in Cali and most definitely not…

Betsey Stewart Benton -I grew up on the lake, at Fort Cassin, just north of Otter Creek. We spent hours traveling up and down the lake and what I remember most about
Thendara was how majestic it looked atop those stairs leading from the dock to the house. It’s setting, among the trees, was beautiful, and despite it’s size, it still radiated a sense of warmth. You are so fortunate to have such happy memories of your summers there, and your writing captures those times beautifully!!!

Jane Belle Clark -I was so happy to come across your blog. My grandparents, John and Belle Clark owned Thendara in the late 1940′s and 1950′s. My Grandma Belle sold it in about 1959. I have so many fond memories of summers at that house.
At one time there was a butler’s cottage and a tennis court. During my grandparents era, the house was pretty much furnished as it was when the original owners had it. There was an interesting collection of primitives in the living room.
Someone even wrote a book with Thendara as the backdrop.
My grandparents had 15 grandchildren and the house was magic for all of us.
I am so glad that the special experience of Thendara lives on.

Thanks again for posting about it.

Jane Belle Clark Lituczy

Claude Spaulding -pretty place

Debbie Bushey -So beautifully written and lovely photo’s of your family. One thing I’ll never forget about Thendara it’s grand size as once I cleaned it for Elizabeth before her spring arrival. I thought I’d never get out of there but finally I did. Amazing place!

Thanks for sharing!
Debbie Bushey

Joe Carman -I can’t believe I stumbled across this! Our best family friends own Thendara. We stayed there a few summers ago and we might go again this year. Awesome pictures you guys, looks like you had fun!

Rodney Smith -I am almost certain you reference the same Thendara I remember so fondly as a young boy. I believe my Father’s great aunt Agnes Cowap owned Thendara at the time (late 50′s early ’60′s) and we spent several summer weeks there. My two brother’s and I would spend endless hours down at the lake fishing or swimming off the stone dock and boating. I remember Dad painting the porch.

Ken and Jen Perkes -Luisa: I love the way you write; I love your passion; I love your love for the people in your life; and I now love Thendara. Somehow, I think there is a book inside you, and perhaps Thendara will be a prominent "character."

In any case, thanks for your beautiful sharing of this magical place from your childhood!

I can’t even believe that the summer is over… *sigh*. I love the sun and the heat, and BBQ’s and having a tan, and gardening and boating and watermelon. I could digress endlessly. I’ve actually been pestering Nate a little about moving to a place with perpetual summers: Arizona, St. George, Southern California… but no….

Before the dawning of the cell phone era, there existed such a thing as…. collect calls. *gasp* How archaic! When I was a child, naively pliable to the mainstream marketing of television commercials [Commercials?? No TiVo?], I remember one particular AD of a father calling his folks to annouce the arrival of his son. OBVIOUSLY,…

Brooke -Yeah! You two are so cute, and you'll be the best parents, and I will be so jealous at how his life will be so amazingly photographed. Your little boy is lucky and blessed to have you as his parents. I love you!

Misty -Congrats to you Nate and Luisa!

Look out world~here comes Boston!=)

Love,Brian and misty

Ken and Jen Perkes -We LOVED getting the call! And would have gladly paid for it COLLECT! Priceless!

–Pops

Kathryn -Congratulations!! I had my sono today too!! We're having another boy! 3 boys in a row! Wow!! We are so excited.

Melanie -I am so happy for you guys! We have loved having a boy first. It is always such a huge relief to know that the baby is healthy and happy!

Aimee and Dane -LUISA!!!!! I'm so happy for you! Congrats on the news! And way to read the ultrasound before the nurse told you what sex it was! I'm so impressed. Congrats again! Love you.

Rest assured, you have NOT been forgotten. This blog has weighed like a millstone on my conscience for MONTHS! The worst thing about it is that the title of my blog had been “Summer is Coming” for all this time. I vow to do better. I’m not quite ready to do a full-on summer review…

Jeralyn -HOORAY!!! I could NOT be happier for you two!! This is the BEST news EVER!! Congratulations!! Our family is so excited to have another COUSIN!! Yippee!! And I am so glad that it is going so well for you too! It is tough, but so incredibly worth it

Bree -CONGRATULATIONS! I am SO happy and excited for you! No doubt you will both be AMAZING parents! Luisa-you look SO good!! You will be so cute with a prego belly! Sounds like life is great and it's so fun seeing your smiling faces! Take care!

Kate Perkes -LOVE THE NEW POST!! Awesome pics you two… can't wait for this little miracle to be apart of our crazy family… I already love this darlin like my own… I find myself so excited for all the little mile stones of your pregnancy Luisa haha…. Just so happy for you two..This little babe will be assured to be showered with lots and lots of love from Aunt Kate and Uncle Jake…and Gracie, and Ben, and Natey and Julia… and everyone else anxiously awaiting the arrival..few…Lots of Love for sure! P.s Love the pics of you two… I have been wanting to fix up my blog for so long you've inspired me to hut to it..

Loves!

Linda -Cutest pregnant girl ever! So glad you are feeling better, and enjoy being able to go the bed as soon as you get home from work! (Sorry, but that won't last long!) Good luck with rest of the pregnancy and keep us updated. You are going to be the most amazing mom!

Melanie -I am so happy for you! Congratulations. The fatigue should start to pass soon and you will have a few months of feeling great! I can't wait to hear if it is a boy or girl!

Ken and Jen Perkes -LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new blog look!!! You two should make an "appearance" on the Perkes Photography blog! Also, LOVE Luisa's bookshelf! HOW COOL!!! And most of all, LOVE the debut of our little guy . . . or girl! You look adorable pregnant, Luisa . . . we can ALMOST see your thinking about showing! Ha, ha!

The only thing missing was Max, our little brother on a mission in Italy. Mom & Dad Perkes went to above and beyond measures to put together the most wonderful week of family adventure ever. We ate AMAZING foods. We explored. We laughed… a lot. We even had many the spiritual experience. Featured here is…

Annual Perkes Family Reunion… » Nate & Luisa-[...] Perkes family reunion here in Idaho. We spent a day down here in Boise but mostly we were up in McCall. Nate and I arrived a day early to Denver in order to photograph Nate’s oldest brother, Josh [...]

Jeralyn -Luisa, You are so darling. Really. Sooo darling! I don't connect with you enough. I need to repent. I will call you more & you answer more, k?! You are the absolute sweetest as you articulate your blog… It is always so well said. Everything. Seriously. And of course, I adore how you adore Jack. He is the most incredible little man. I am amazed that I get to be his Mom. I SSSOOO love you guys & I don't tell you enough. So, I LOVE YOU GUYS Can't wait till we get to see you again…

kevin. Leanne. Beckum. -Hello beautiful! How are you? I hope you are doing well. I have missed you a lot lately!!!! You look so beautiful in all your pictures, and I hope you know i just adore you. Take care. Miss you!!!!Love,Queenie

Kathryn -Hey Luisa!! It's your old Glenwood roommate! You and your husband are SO cute! Your pictures are amazing. Looks like lots of fun. You can keep up with my crazy family at texanlife-cooperfamily.blogspot.com

Bree -What a BLAST!!! You really married into a COOL family!! Hope you're doing great!

Ken and Jen Perkes -Luisa: You always do such a great job chronicling our adventures; I always love living it again through your eyes. Thanks for this beautiful post. It was fun, wasn't it?!

I CUT MY HAIR!!! At first it was a very terrifying experience; this was the shortest its ever been in my life. I didn’t know how to style it; it turned out different every time. I needed product and accessories and time…. ahhhh! But now, it’s just fun. It was perfect to have on our…

Buckley -You continually amaze me with your talent. I love the multiple pieces where it looks like a picture and than it breaks into a video, and it works so flawlessly with it being HD. Also a great compilation of music. How fun!

Brittany Cooper -WOW it looks like such an incredible amazing time!!!!! I love, LOVE the trees!!

Ken and Jen Perkes -ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!! Seriously, it is my favorite video you have created [a pretty high standard!]. You have so beautifully documented your adventure, the joy, and even the peril. I LOVED it!!! Thanks so much for sharing with us so generously.

You two always make me smile, and frequently laugh! What a delight to know and love you.

Much love,

–Pops

Bree -WOW!!! What an amazing trip!! I won't even pretend I'm not jealous…cuz I am!!!! Gorgeous pictures!! p.s. Luisa did you get a new #? I texted you the other day…

LONG STORY SHORT: Nate got a photography gig from a company taking their top sales reps to Costa Rica. Since my Dad is from there and since its the most beautiful place on earth, we quickly worked a plane ticket for me into our budget. I joined Nate in the very Northwestern corner of the…

The Perkes Family -Very cool you guys! Nate the photos are awesome, love the one with the boat, and the sun peaking through the trees. Glad your home safe, sounds like more adventures are to come, can't wait to see whats next in store. LOVES!

Ken and Jen Perkes -Luisa, you and Nate are the ultimate ADVENTURE FAMILY!!! Thank you so much for this wonderful blog post; it was so fun to "go with you" on this amazing journey. And thank you for being such a perfect companion to our "little" wanderer! It will be fun to see where your talents next take you! [Africa? the Greek Islands? . . . perhaps someplace with fewer bugs!]

It’s really not that our lives have become less interesting, because they haven’t. Or maybe they have and I’m just in denial. I’ve missed my old friend, “the blog”. I’m sure Nate hasn’t really missed me obsessing over the what, where, when’s, why’s and how’s of posting. But I sure have missed the obsession. January…

The Nesting Syndrome… » Nate & Luisa-[...] after my house was ‘in order’, I started just MAKING stuff. Now, Nate got me a sewing machine for Valentines Day last year [YAY!!] and I am SO proud to say that I have put that baby to good [...]

Kat and Andy Bartholomew -Cute post!

ericnashlea -Ok so I peaked…that little dress is beautiful…I coulnd't help but wonder

I texted you the measurements. Hopefully I sent my text to the right number this time.

You are truly amazing. i love and miss you.

Linda -Hey Luisa! Today is Dolan's birthday and his all-time favorite treat is oreos, so I just finished making the Oreo balls to surprise him when he gets home! They are delish!!! Thanks for sharing.

Aimee -I'm totally jealous! I just told Dane that the next big purchase I'd like would be a sewing machine! I'm impressed with that dress you made. My skills include sewing two pieces of cloth together… That's it!

Pappa Perkes -Luisa:

LOVE the blog; totally understand the sabbatical–we're in one too! Great dress. Can't wait to see Brooke in it.

I know, I know… it’s been forever. In the midst of the crazy post-holiday season, Nate had the biggest photo gig of his life [at which he genuinely excelled], we moved, I finished getting licensed in Life & Disability producer for the state of Idaho, and in general we have been crazy busy with lots…

For some reason, I was SO dang enthused to welcome in the New Year. I look like I’m about to pee my pants with how excited I was. I think I’ll let the video speak for itself. And I absolutely love the song ‘Auld Lang Syne’; it is so pretty. I find it a shame…

Ken and Jen Perkes -Confetti in Martinelli's . . . it doesn't get better than that, does it? It was so fun to watch you guys celebrating. It was honestly our intention to stay up and call you after YOUR new years, but we just couldn't stay up until 2am. So this is the next best thing!

HAPPY NEW YEARS, my sweet kids [and grandkids] in Star! Love you so much!!!